Day 6 – Nehemiah: A Rooted Leader

“These are the memoirs of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah.” (Nehemiah 1:1, NLT)

“Remember this good deed also, O my God! Have compassion on me according to your great and unfailing love.” (Nehemiah 13:22, NLT)

“Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.” Proverbs 9:9, NLT)

Nehemiah is like the Tom Brady or Kobe Bryant of leadership. Sports analysts have declared that both of these athletes had multiple hall of fame careers because of their longevity, playing multiple decades at a high level. Nehemiah is in that category. He led effectively in multiple roles and contexts—trusted leader for the king of Persia, visionary builder during a turnaround in Judea, and governor during a season of growth and sustainability. He accomplished what most people thought was impossible—twice! The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall while surrounded by enemies was an insane leadership feat. Convincing people to move back to Jerusalem and rebuild their way of life there was another.

If I could share a meal with Nehemiah, there are so many questions I’d ask: How do you inspire people to do what previously failed? How can you motivate people who seem demoralized? How do you coordinate lots of people for a single task? What is the balance between encouragement and accountability? How do you get a new vision once the first one has been realized? How do you increase your credibility? How do you keep going when facing what seem like endless challenges?

While breakfast with Nehemiah would be epic, if someone offered me his leadership journal, that would be even more valuable. Reading Nehemiah’s leadership journal would be like having breakfast with him regularly as he lived through his opportunities and challenges.

Here’s the exciting news: We have his journal! The book of Nehemiah recounts God’s faithfulness to His people and also chronicles Nehemiah’s thoughts and actions.

Nehemiah’s name means “the Lord has comforted.” His credibility and servant’s posture comforted a Persian king he worked for, so much so that the king trusted Nehemiah with his life. His conviction, vision, and perseverance pulled the people of Jerusalem out of disgrace, bringing comfort to them. As a result, people were willing to move back into the city. His resolve to remember the promises of God has comforted me and reminded me that God is with me and keeps His promises to me.

Nehemiah did not topple. He was rooted until the end of his life. Each time a storm came—and there were many—the storm was unable to damage the healthy roots in his life. Nehemiah’s leadership was also incredibly fruitful. He persisted through trials, criticism, slander, and threats of violence. He repopulated a city that is still standing (Jerusalem). The collective attitude of those who were under his care was changed from disgrace to joy. Nehemiah is a mentor and example you can look to for inspiration on how to remain rooted and insight on how to be fruitful in your leadership.